Rams Notebook: Stafford Stars, Defense Shines, But Not Without Imperfections

The Los Angeles Rams beat the New Orleans Saints 30-22 to open Week 16. Who showed out, and what can be better down the home stretch?

The Los Angeles Rams continued their winning ways in Week 16, this time getting it out of the way early. On Thursday Night Football, the Rams beat the New Orleans Saints 30-22.

The victory took the form of so many of their other Los Angeles wins this season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp early and often while running back Kyren Williams continued his magic second season in Los Angeles.

For a second consecutive week, the Rams dominated from the jump and controlled the game the entire way. Things got a little closer than fans may have liked at the end, but when it results in a crucial eighth win of the season, it will quickly – and rightfully – be lost in the standings.

Los Angeles needed a win to stay in healthy playoff positioning. Mission accomplished. Let’s take a closer look at the win.

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stafford is playing lights-out football.

Simply put, few quarterbacks are playing better ball than Stafford. He continued his post-bye hot streak with another excellent performance.

In all, he completed 23 of 41 attempts for 294 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. If it weren’t for a few ill-timed drops, those numbers would’ve been even better.

He’s made a habit – a career – out of delivering fastballs from several arm angles and making improbable throws. That was consistently on display on Thursday night. His highlights were underlined by ruthlessly efficient production.

His 0.47 expected points added per play was a 93rd-percentile performance, matched by a similarly impressive 7.6 completion percentage over expected. Everyone else deserves their flowers, too, but Stafford’s play is the No. 1 reason Los Angeles has a playoff spot.

2. Clutch defensive stops set the tone.

First, it was Kobie Turner sacking Saints quarterback Derek Carr for a nine-yard loss. A few drives later, they forced an incompletion headed toward tight end Juwan Johnson. In the second New Orleans drive of the second half, Los Angeles forced Carr to throw short of the sticks.

Three fourth-down stops were more than enough to stifle the Saints. The late-down wins gifted the Rams promising field position, and they took advantage.

Each time New Orleans turned it over on downs, Los Angeles turned it into points – 13 to be exact.

Throw in an interception for good measure, and it was a successful day at the office for coordinator Raheem Morris’ defense. Timely play on late downs is imperative when the margins are thin.

With playoff football on the mind, that is only going to get more important.

Rams' Late-Season Transformation Continues With Clutch Win Over Saints

3. Will taking their foot off the pedal cost them?

One of the similarities between the Rams’ cruise-control wins may be a concern. Despite leading convincingly throughout, their play in the fourth quarter has dipped, resulting in unnecessary one-possession wins.

First, it was Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett putting a jolt into the offense. On Thursday, a special teams misfire resulted in a tipped punt, and the secondary had a lapse, resulting in an A.T. Perry touchdown grab. The offense did enough to seal the victory by burning the clock, but it felt like dominance for three-quarters of a four-quarter game.

The sky isn’t falling by any means. But competition is going to get stiffer, and the defense and special teams haven’t earned the trust to “flip the switch” in the event a win really gets in doubt.

No harm, no foul, but Los Angeles hasn’t played a complete game since Week 13’s win over the Cleveland Browns. That consistency, or lack thereof, is worth keeping an eye on down the stretch.